A jury late Thursday night found Gregory S. Pound, who unsuccessfully ran for Pinellas sheriff last year as a write-in candidate, not guilty of misdemeanor trespassing at a political event six months ago.

"They made a decision based on the facts," the 53-year-old Pound said of the jury after the verdict. "And I appreciate them doing their jobs."

Pound is something of a fixture on the local government scene. For years, he has picketed courthouses and the Sheriff's Office, protesting a case in which his parental rights were terminated.

On Sept. 4, while running for sheriff, Pound signed up to attend a GOP convention-watching event held by Rep. C.W. Bill Young at the Hilton Hotel on Lake Carillon Drive. In attendance was Pound's opponent, Sheriff Jim Coats.

Accounts differ, but testimony indicates that Rep. Young's wife, Beverly Young, approached Pound to question him about his run. Judge Donald E. Horrox barred testimony about details of what was said, but allowed witnesses to describe the tone of the exchange.

Deputies who were at the event to provide security for Rep. Young and other dignitaries said it appeared from a distance the two were in a heated conversation, though Pound testified otherwise.

Soon after, hotel management and deputies asked Pound to leave. They testified that he refused. Pound testified that he merely asked why he was no longer wanted there.

Within minutes, Pound was escorted out and charged with trespassing.

After being booked at the Pinellas County Jail, he would not cooperate and refused to attend his court appearance or sign release paperwork.

A judge ordered that he be evaluated under the state's Baker Act, which allows those deemed a threat to themselves or others to be held for up to three days.

While being held, Pound called the St. Petersburg Times.

"I'm a political prisoner," he told a reporter. "I believe what is happening to me is a political move."

Will Van Sant, Times staff writer